ROBERT PALMER
1949-2003

He was the king of suave, 80s cool.

A man who always looked ever so appropriate in his Armani cut suits. A man who was, even at his worst, the best dressed man in the room. The elegant charm of James Bond, the energetic rock godliness of Robert Plant. His blue-eyed soul and melodic delivery made him every bit the pop king he should have been and more. And he was one of the best concerts I've ever attended.

As for the rest of his songs, the ones you never heard on the radio, who would have ever thought to marry Reggae, South African chants, and yodelling in a song about a love story set in the jungle? The ballsiness of Addicted To Love, the freneticness of Some Guys Have All The Luck, the puzzle-piece poetry of Looking For Clues, the honest love of She Makes My Day, the heart-wrenching empathy of Johnny And Mary.

People remember him for his iconic two videos, but he was so much more than that.

A singer, yes. A pop-star, yes. The image of the 80s, yes. A fashion plate, yes. But also, and more importantly, an artist. A genius artist whose contributions go greatly unnoticed. Fusing styles that have nothing to do with each other, imagery seemingly unrelated flowed in perfect harmony. New Wave with Ballet, Jazz with Punk, Dance with Folk.

There was a reason that the two pop gods of their time chose him to be the only singer for Powerstation.

It's a shame that people will only ever get to know the Pepsi-shilling, slick haired girl image, suit guy.

This past Christmas our friend Christel got me a collection CD of his. It's hardly left my player since.

I will miss you.

Keep the faith, keep the prayers.

-N.